About The Client
Meet Southland Credit Union! Born back in 1936 to serve Los Angeles County employees, they’ve now grown into a nationwide top performer with over $1 billion in assets. And they’re not just about the numbers. Southland treats its members like family—people who get more than just lower interest rates and higher dividends. Here, members get a dash of that special “Southland Difference” that turns everyday banking into something, well... a little extra. Southland’s all about helping their members realize their dreams (whatever those may be). It’s not just business; it’s personal.
The Challenge
Let’s be real: launching a new rewards program is no walk in the park. The task? Southland needed to make a splash with their “Enjoy! Rewards” program—getting both current members and potential newbies to see the magic in it. We’re talking a campaign that goes beyond points and perks, capturing the real-life rewards of banking with Southland. The question was how do we make a loyalty program pop? Answer: Bring in Sparkhouse! 🌟
Scope of the Project
Our game plan? Make “Enjoy! Rewards” the campaign everyone’s talking about. With a blend of videos, photos, and social-ready stop-motion clips, we aimed to highlight the real perks of the rewards program in a way that feels genuine, approachable, and fun.
Pre-production Planning
Creative Brief and Brainstorming:
The plan was simple: start with Southland’s outline and bring it to life. We dove into scene breakdowns, gave each one a mini “plot,” and visualized every shot. From close-ups of the Rewards card (the star!) to animations showing points stacking up like a dream, every detail was designed to make the rewards program feel exciting and accessible. We made sure every shot did double duty—engaging yet easy to understand.
Casting Real Members:
When Southland said they wanted real members, we were all in. They picked a diverse crew who represented all ages and backgrounds, which gave our shoot a down-to-earth vibe. Bonus points for authenticity! We also threw in three actors to play the employees, so scenes looked real, natural, and dynamic. And with a shared tracker for availability, scheduling was smoother than ever.
Wardrobe, Hair, and Makeup:
Keeping it casual but polished, we coordinated with our cast to bring in looks that felt true to them. We also had a hair and makeup artist on set for those finishing touches, making sure everyone looked their best (without looking too glam). For the actors, we went all out sourcing uniforms to make them blend right into the scene.
Props and Locations:
Props? Check. We sourced everything from jerseys and foam fingers for the ballgame scene to shopping bags and sweet treats for the food truck vibe. The details are where the magic happens! For locations, we locked in three perfect spots: Blair Field (for the sports enthusiasts), The Denim Bar (a stylish boutique), and the Nexx Food Truck. With all our permits in order, we were ready to roll!
Production and Post-Production
On Set:
We hit the ground running with a two-day shoot that included everything we needed to highlight Southland’s rewards program in action. Real members, real settings, and genuine interactions made this campaign feel totally relatable. Each shot captured those “aha!” moments when members saw their rewards stacking up, bringing the benefits to life.
Stop Motion Magic:
In our studio, we went for some extra flair with stop-motion clips that pop. Every item—from jeans to coffee cups—moved on colorful backdrops, creating engaging visuals to showcase all the fun ways to earn rewards. Each clip took around 60 frames, but hey, perfection takes time! These GIFs were tailor-made to grab attention and loop seamlessly on social.
Post-Production Sparkle:
With everything filmed, we got to work on editing. Our script guided each scene with a voiceover that explained the perks and benefits while keeping things fun and upbeat. A catchy music track added that extra energy, while the stop-motion clips had viewers ready to hit “replay.” Just when we thought we were done, Southland requested an extra holiday-themed edit for The Denim Bar scene. We happily obliged, adding a festive end card that’s holiday-approved! 🎄
The Final Result
The finished campaign? A total win! From the 30-second commercial to the stop-motion GIFs, every element told the story of Southland’s “Enjoy! Rewards” program in a way that’s fresh, fun, and relatable. Southland’s new assets now shine on their website and social media, making it crystal clear why this rewards program is worth checking out. Ready to bring your brand’s story to life? Contact us at Sparkhouse, and let’s create something epic together! ✨
